Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo Reopens After Extensive Restoration

Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo Reopens After Extensive Restoration

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Ben Ezra Synagogue, a venerable historical landmark in Cairo, has been reinaugurated in Egypt following an extensive restoration project, as was recently reported in The Times of Israel.  This momentous event marks the revival of a cherished piece of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and underscores the country’s commitment to preserving its historical treasures, the TOI report added.

Believed to date back to 882 CE, the Ben Ezra Synagogue stands as the oldest synagogue in Cairo, a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Jewish history in Egypt, as was indicated in the TOI report. It is named after the distinguished scholar, Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra and has played a pivotal role in the region’s cultural and religious history.

The restoration project, as outlined on the Egyptian cabinet website, involved meticulous architectural restoration work. The TOI report said that this encompassed repairing the ceiling, cleaning and treating the stones, and enhancing the lighting system. The result is a beautifully rejuvenated synagogue that showcases its historical significance while ensuring its long-term preservation, according to the TOI report.

Egypt’s Tourism Minister, Ahmed Issa, described the Ben Ezra Synagogue as “one of the most important and oldest synagogues in Egypt.” According to the TOI report, he, along with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, visited the site as part of their tour of historical sites in Cairo that have undergone renovation efforts aimed at attracting tourism.

Throughout its existence, the Ben Ezra Synagogue has faced adversity, including orders for its demolition around 1012 CE. However, the TOI report indicated that it was rebuilt a few decades later, and over the centuries, it endured fires and underwent several restoration projects. The current building is believed to have been largely constructed in the 1890s, coinciding with the discovery of the renowned Cairo Geniza.

The Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of Jewish communal documents, was discovered in 1896 by Jewish scholar Solomon Schechter. As was noted in the report, hidden behind a wall in the synagogue’s women’s section upstairs, Schechter uncovered close to ten centuries’ worth of documents that shed light on the life and activities of the Jewish community. These invaluable records have since been dispersed among approximately 70 institutions and collections worldwide. The term “Geniza” refers to the collection of documents that are preserved rather than discarded due to their sacred nature in Hebrew tradition, as was reported by the TOI.

The restoration project for the Ben Ezra Synagogue commenced in April 2022, following three decades of neglect. This initiative not only underscores the commitment to preserving Egypt’s historical sites but also acknowledges their diverse cultural and religious significance. The TOI report also said that Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities stated that the restoration effort reflects their dedication to safeguarding all archaeological sites, regardless of their historical era or religious affiliation, as they are all important Egyptian monuments.

Today, the Ben Ezra Synagogue stands as one of only a handful of synagogues remaining in Egypt, following the departure of many Jews in 1952 after the forced abdication of King Faruq. This reopening serves as a symbol of the nation’s respect for its multicultural heritage and its desire to showcase its historical sites to the world.

In recent years, Egypt has taken significant steps to preserve and promote its historical and cultural sites. The successful restoration of the Ben Ezra Synagogue follows the rededication of the 14th-century Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria in early 2020, a testament to Egypt’s commitment to preserving its rich tapestry of history and heritage, according to the report.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue, with its newfound vibrancy, is set to continue serving as a bridge between the past and present, a testament to the enduring cultural and historical significance of this remarkable Egyptian landmark.